SPEAK YOUR MIND
We talked about dealing with murmuring church members in our adult class last Wednesday night. One of the subjects that always seem to cause difficulty is people who insist on speaking whatever is on their minds, no matter who it harms or hurts. They generally say that they just cannot keep from doing this. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, had a considerable amount to say about this attitude in the book of Proverbs. LetÕs notice some of these statements and compare them with the attitude that some people try to justify.
ÒHe that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a
fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.Ó (Proverbs 17:27,28). There is an entire lesson in these two
verses for us to consider and apply to our lives.
ÒThe discretion of a man deferreth his
anger; and it is his glory to pass over
a transgressionÓ (Proverbs 19:11).
ÒHe that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is
broken down, and without wallsÓ
(Proverbs 25:28). Those who say
they just cannot control what they say need to consider these words of
Solomon.
ÒIn the multitude of words there wanteth not
sin: but he that refraineth his lips is
wiseÓ (Proverbs 10:19). The New American Standard Bible states, ÒWhen there are
many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is
wise.Ó
ÒThe heart of the righteous studieth to
answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil thingsÓ (Proverbs 15:28).
James states in James 1:19, ÒWherefore, my
beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath:Ó James would go on to say, ÒIf any man among you seem to be religious,
and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this manÕs religion is vainÓ (James 1:26).
Pressing Onward!
I read a bulletin this past week which contained an article with the title listed above. Actually, I receive quite a few bulletins in the mailbox and by Email, for which I am very grateful. In this particular article one of my friends and fellow preachers in Georgia was exhorting his brethren to become more involved in evangelism. Just like any good sermon, this article had three main points, each an area in which the need exists to ÒPress Onward!Ó We will not try to consider the entire article, just the first point of it.
I want to share with you a portion of the article (substituting in our name at the appropriate place) and then proceed to encourage all of us to press onward in the same area of work. Please notice the suggestion our brother makes and if you can see fit to follow it, I think it would be a great blessing to you, to the church here and also to many others. Here is part of a paragraph from that writingÉ
The number of visitors is a reflection upon the efforts we put forth at talking up the local church, and hence Christ Himself. We need to start seeing more visitors in our assemblies that are the direct result of invitations to friends, co-workers, and family to attend the services. Though we do see some of this taking place, it is the exception and not the general rule. I think we would all agree that much more can and must be done by all [Bellevue Road] members in the area of personal evangelism. Why not make a commitment today to bring a visitor with you just one week each month? That is a starting point. Choose a specific week for this month, formulate a list of prospects, and start making contacts. Start calling your list until you get a firm commitment from a prospect to visit with you. You just might be surprised at the good your efforts will bring forth from that simple effort.
Now that sounds like a very good idea to me. I think it is a challenge which would not be that difficult to accomplish, but which would definitely make a difference if we would all participate in it.
I suppose the opposite of the charge to PRESS ONWARD would be to SLIP BACKWARD. If that to which we are pressing onward is our goal of going to heaven and taking as many with us as we possibly can, then there is no question which direction we ought to be interested in heading.
I think about PaulÕs statement in Philippians 3:13-14É Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. That same spirit or attitude of the great Apostle Paul is the spirit or attitude needed so desperately in the LordÕs church today! Who can study the life of Paul and not be impressed by his persistent and consistent demonstration of evangelistic fervor? When I think about the great work done by Paul in spreading the saving message, I surely get interested in what it might have been that motivated him to work in such a dedicated manner.
Two passages come to mind that tell me about what moved Paul to have such great concern for lost souls. The first would be 2 Corinthians 5:10-11É For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Paul knew about and preached often about the Judgment Day. He knew that God is a God of justice and that disobedience to Him could not go unpunished. PaulÕs faithful efforts were toward the end of persuading men to obey Christ.
The second passage that helps us to have a clue as to how Paul was so dedicated to the task of evangelism is, Romans 1:14-15É I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Please ponder the words: AS MUCH AS IN ME IS! As much as was within Paul, whatever it was he had available, he was hoping to use that in preaching the gospel to the lost souls at Rome. WHY? Because he felt himself to be in debt to do that thing! That sense of debt would not be a bad attribute for each Christian to carry, in my humble opinion! We have good news that is needed by our friends, neighbors, and relatives. How about it? Will you accept the challenge my friend Barry set forth in the quotation above? by David Lemmon
COMMUNITY CHURCHES AND GENERIC NAMES
Some churches of Christ are changing their names from names like FIRST STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST to generic names, such as THE COMMUNITY CHURCH or THE FAMILY OF GOD. Proponents of such a change, with whom I have discussed the matter, say that the traditional name, CHURCH OF CHRIST, has too much baggage attached to it, and that it has a negative effect when people see that name on a sign in front of the church building. It is argued that a generic name will not turn people off and will be more effective in reaching people.
I find this to be so ironic because of something that took place recently in Florence. After worship one Sunday morning, I met a young couple who was visiting us for the first time. Sean and Candice had just moved here from Oregon, after he accepted a position with Big River Broadcasting Company. He was Catholic and she was a Mormon.
Rarely have I studied with anyone so hungry to know the Truth as they were, so I was not surprised when they were baptized for the remission of sins and became Christians three weeks later.
Now, here is the ironical part. Sean told me that, before they came to worship that first Sunday, they were walking in downtown Florence and saw our sign which reads, WOOD AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST. They did not know anything about us had never even seen a church of Christ building. But, Sean said they decided to come to Wood Avenue because they wanted to be a part of a church that unashamedly identifies themselves as a church that belongs to Christ!
How ironic. That which initially attracted Sean and Candice is the very thing that some want to change!
--by
David Sain The Pilot Oak Flier
MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aug 30, 2009